Surgical Treatment of Pediatric Fractures

Dear Colleagues,

The treatment of fractures in children is a fundamental aspect of pediatric orthopedic surgery. These fractures are common and can be distressing for the child and worrisome for their caregivers. When treating children, orthopedic surgeons should assume a partially pediatrician-like role. This involves understanding the child's unique characteristics and their family dynamics, adapting the treatment approach to their growing body and potential dependency, and engaging the family in the treatment process. Children's growing bones and soft tissues possess distinct features, including biomechanical traits, active growth plates, and a unique blood supply. Consequently, the management of fractures in children differs significantly from that in adults.

Over the years, treatment modalities for fractures in children have evolved. While long periods of traction or casting have been accepted as common practice, modern patient and family expectations lean towards shorter and more individualized treatments. Advancements in elastic nails now allow for CRIF/ORIF with minimal surgical exposure, and the age and types of fractures that can be treated with this modality are continuously expanding. Surgical alternatives are replacing classic casting methods and common surgical procedures, which necessitate long periods of complete dependence. Furthermore, degradable materials are challenging the need for secondary surgeries to remove internal fixation implants. The introduction of PROMs in this field has deepened our understanding of how treatments have changed patients’ well-being in their perspective and changed the way we measure success. The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide updates on the treatment of fractures in children. We invite surgeons and researchers to submit articles that will deepen our understanding in the treatment of pediatric fractures, including epidemiological studies, clinical studies, outcome evaluations and innovation. We hope that the information presented will benefit our readership and contribute to further advancements in caring for these patients.

Dr. David Segal
Guest Editor

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• fractures
• trauma
• surgery
• casting
• pediatric orthopedics
• reduction
• outcome